Follow Athens’ simple tips to help make your Halloween safer and more sustainable.
Halloween is right around the corner and for many of us, the next few days are all about putting the finishing touches on our decorations and costumes. Whether you will be out trick-or-treating with friends and family or carving jack-o’-lanterns at home, here are tips to help make your Spooktober plans fun, safe, and zero waste.
NATURAL DECORATIONS
Decorate your space with natural items such as flowers, pumpkins, and squash. Using compostable materials is an easy way to add a splash of color while getting into the holiday spirit. Avoid single-use plastic decorations that have a high chance of ending up in a landfill. –
REUSABLE COSTUMES
Go DIY with a homemade Halloween costume by visiting your local secondhand store for inspiration. Single-use costumes are often made with low-quality, oil-based plastics. In 2019, a study reported that 83% of Halloween costumes ended up in landfills after the holidays. Get creative and see what you can craft from recycled items and what you have around the house.
ZERO WASTE JACK-O’-LANTERN
Carving a jack-o’-lantern is the gift that keeps on giving. After hollowing out your pumpkin, you can use the excess pulp to bake a pie or roast the seeds in the oven for a tasty snack. You can even grow your own pumpkin for next year by saving the seeds and planting them in the spring. –
When your jack-o’-lantern is ready to rest in peace, add it to your organics container or backyard composter so that it can be turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment and returned to the earth. Check out this video for step-by-step instructions.
SAFETY FIRST
Establish safety guidelines before going out at night. While trick-or-treating, go in groups and only visit houses with the porch lights on. Consider adding reflective material or bright colors to children’s costumes for more visibility. When traveling between different neighborhoods, drive slowly and stay alert.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Halloween, Athens wishes you and your loved ones a spooktacular good time.
Copyright (C) 2022 Athens Services. All Rights Reserved. Website designed & developed by 789, Inc.
Customer Service
Bulky Pickup
Request Services
Pay Bill
Rent-a-Container
Recycling Guide
Mergers and Accqustions
